Monday, December 03, 2012

Winter Meetings Begin

It's that time of the year again. The Winter Meetings begin today in Nashville. The meetings have come a long way since 1962 when the first meetings were held in Rochester!

Already some hot rumors popping up...none of which involve the Yankees. Cashman is preaching patience, but the fan base will not accept that. They are already on the verge of losing Ichiro, who made it known he would like to come back to NY. But NY's wait and see approach is not sitting well with Ichiro and is now looking at other clubs. Yankee brass is not thrilled with the idea of Gardner and Ichiro in line up together...not enough power. The Yankees let Russel Martin walk to the Pirates. Which is odd considering how much Cashman liked Martin. Comparing him to Munson on occasion last year. Not sure who the Yankees would now consider bringing in. I don't think Stewart, Cervelli, or Romine can carry the load for an entire season...but I wouldn't mind giving Romine the opportunity to prove himself at the MLB level.

Yankees have taken care of their major signings before the meetings bringing back Kuroda, Pettitte, and Rivera. They even signed Nix to a deal...though are still looking to upgrade the INF position. I wouldn't be shocked if the Yankees pull off a blockbuster trade or if they go quietly into the night. I would be shocked if they sign a major free agent to a big contract though.

69 comments:

There's a report out there the Yankees are concerned with A-Rod's hip. He went back to CO to have the Dr take a look at it. May have additional damage. If this is serious it could explain why the Yankees were in on Stephen Drew and would most likely have him take most of his reps at 3B.

A-Rod being out for an extended period may not be all that bad. It is obvious the guy is past his prime and may be in the process of experiencing joint break downs that are a side effect associated with steroids. And if it is, then this is just the beginning of health issues.

It would not be a worst case scenario either to have two guys in the outfield who may lack power, but make contact and can run. In other words the team would actually rely on manufacturing runs versus waiting for a homerun to be hit (which is what led to the loss to the Tigers).

Ichiro is a professional who deserves better treatment. Cashman has also confirmed the team will move the catching position in-house.

Just heard an interesting interview with Cashman. He stated that the $189MM goal for 2014, is not because of luxury tax, it's because of revenue sharing. The revenue sharing is much larger than the luxury tax component.

Also...he made it sound like the Yankees could be in on Josh Hamilton. He basically gave a 'no comment' on anything related to Ichiro.

I going to throw a name out there that I have always liked as a good fit for the Yankees as a possible stop gap solution for A-Rod...Mark DeRosa. A good veteran guy, good club house guy, decent glove that has versatility in the field (has played RF, LF, 1B, 2B, SS, and 3B). Has been slowed by injuries the last 3-4 seasons (wrist injury I believe). If he's healthy Yankees could get him on a short term cheap deal. Last year he signed a 1 year $800k deal with the Nats. He could hit .270 with double digit HRs in a part time role. IF he's healthy, that would be a good signing for the Yankees.

If the Yankees are looking for someone to fill in for A-Rod how about Marco Scutaro. He is a free agent. I would also think the Yankees would explore bringing back Eric Chavez - he would be a less expense proposition than Scutaro and would give them more pop from the left side.

If the Yankees go after Hamilton forget the salary cap issue for 2014. George Steinbrenner has to be rolling over in his grave. I don't think he ever gave consideration to salary cap issues. However, I am starting to wonder whether the Yankees are beginning to have financial issues. They have given up a huge share of the YES network to a communications corporation. The communications company within three years will control 49% of YES. Not something that anyone ever thought would happen.

I find it sad the Yankees are not taking serious steps to bring Ichiro back. He is a solid professional a good hitter that is patient and can hit the ball out in the stadium. He deserves an answer - are the Yankees serious about bringing him back or are they content with letting him walk!

Odd scenario - Yankees agree to and extension with Jayson Nix and then DFA him to make room for Rivera. Yankee 40 man roster is filled and any additions will mean moving someone. It is obvious the Yankees will have to put A-Rod on the 60 day dl. If the indications on Jeter will be that he cannot start the season, they may have to take the same path with him.

Scutaro is a full time player looking for a multi-year deal coming off of a very good year where he helped his team win a championship. All that equals no shot in hell for the Yankees to sign him. Good player and would be a good fit for the Yankees, but no shot at all.

There was report from an Indians beat writer that when I read it, I said to myself that sounds a lot like the Yankees and now RAB is on the same page too. The Indians had a deal fall through for Asdrubal Cabrera, the Indians SS who is on the trade block. The deal was a starting pitcher (could've been Hughes, Nova, or Phelps) and 2 high level prospects (Yankees have a bunch of those). The deal fell through when the Indians asked for a 3rd prospect. And the kicker...the team would have asked Cabrera to play a position other than SS.

Looks like it's down to the Dodgers or Rangers for Greinke. Haren gets $13MM from the Nats. Ummmm...WOW! Way over paid. If Haren can bounce back to form Nats have a great rotation, but way over priced. Kuroda looks like a steal at that price.

Some increasing talk that Hughes is being shopped with Granderson. I would think that would qualify as a blockbuster...I'm calling Yankees getting Justin Upton.

Crash, if the Yankees trade Hughes, that will create a hole in the rotation they filled by the signing of Pettitte. Hughes has proven to be more reliable than Nova. Right now Hughes is the #4 pitcher in the rotation. Phelps and Nova will battle for the #5 spot. I would not be surprised if the deal included Nova with the prospect being Warren and or MacDonald (that would be the pithcer that has been striking minor leaguers and AFL batters out at an unbelievable rate.

Yankees have to start thinking about individuals who have proven themselves at third base. Scutaro is not going to get the contract he is looking for. Remember he was a fill in with the Red Sox, played for Oakland and I believe he then ended up in San Francisco. For a journeyman he is posting himself way too high. Wonder with Hearn going to the Nats what that will mean for Wang.

Yankees have spoken to Kevin Youkilis's agent...Yuk would do a 1 year deal if $$ was at premium level.

Nats were not looking at Wang at all. The Haren signing means the Nats are officially out on Greinke.

Both the Yankees and Cardinals have contacted Scutaro's agent. Cardinals want him to start at 2B. Giants were making Pagan and Scutaro their priorities at the meetings...Pagan is already signed, I'm guessing Scutaro isn't far behind in returning. Wonder if the Giants would be open to trading Hunter Pence. Probably too rich for the Yankees at $13MM. I mean that's Granderson's area. Pence has less power, higher average, doesn't K as much, stronger arm, and is younger...

Shane Victorino signs a 3 year deal with Red Sox. Braves sign Upton, Sox sign Victorino, Nats probably signing LaRoche, and Texas leading the way for Hamilton right now...Swisher has suddenly found his market drying up. Seattle and Baltimore were in on Hamilton, perhaps Swisher ends up in one of those places or comes back to NY with his tail tucked between his leg.

I haven't seen any other "rumor" on the Pierzynski front...may have been a goose chase.

4 teams still in on Swisher. Cody Ross looking to go back to SF. Thought he would also be a good fit for NY.

Hamilton left the meetings without signing. Talks with Texas are progressing, several "insiders" have the Yankees as a dark horse favorite for Hamilton. I see it happening only if they move Granderson.

Girardi gave a little peak as to the plans. Obvisouly the rotation is CC, Kuroda, and Pettitte. He made it sign as if Hughes was already slotted for #4, and Nova & Phelps will battle for #5. Phelps likely for back end of pen.

I still think Nova or Hughes are getting traded with Granderson. Wait and see.

When you consider current contracts, league minimum players, and estimations for arbitration, Yankees are already committed to just over $190MM for this year...and they still have 10 roster spots to fill, including starting C, RF, A-Rod replacement, etc. WOW!!!

Yankees offered Keppinger more dollars than the White Sox. I am confused when you say the Yankees have ten roster spots to fill. Their 40 man roster is now full. Any signing will mean someone gets cut.

Losing out on Keppinger and Chavez and Martin made it clear the Yankees are dragging their feet and putting offers out that no one wants. In addition, by not getting to the series in three years has broken the myth that if you want a championship go to the Yankees. In addition it is becoming apparentt the free agents may consider family and comfort before money. Can understand that - chose to stay here versus looking to jump to the highest bidder. Example three requests this week to apply for positions that would increase salary by a miniumum of 60K. Not interested.

Thought I heard that Yankees never made offers to Keppinger or Chavez. Keppinger wasn't interested in playing in NY. They have made an offer to Youkilis, 1 Year $12M.

I hate the idea of getting a guy like Nate Schierholtz. I would rather trade Granderson and sign Hamilton. I hear the sticking point on Hamilton & Rangers is a 5th year. Rangers will only go 4, if the Yankees want him, offer 5. I know Seattle is close to a deal with Hamilton, but a power hitter looking to win will not sign with Seattle. All things equal he will go to NY. Offer 5 years with equal value.

40 Man roster may be filled but it will change between now and spring. Doesn't mean they're cut. Most of those guys will be re-assigned. There are currently 24 pitchers on the 40 man that will change. The OF currently consist of Garnder, Granderson, Dickerson, Almonte, Flores, and Mesa. Think it's safe to say 2 or 3 of those guys won't be there come February.

They won't carry 14 pitchers, most likely only 12. They won't carry 3 active catchers. So that's 5 spots on the 25 man roster alone, if/when they move Pineda and A-Rod to the 60 day that opens up 2 more spots. Most of those minor league guys were added for protection reasons only (Banuelos, Betances, Warren, Spence Turly, Ramirez, Adams, Joseph, Almonte, Flores, Mesa) and are not likely to see any time in the bigs. Keep in mind they also want to add a veteran starter for depth (a Freddy Garcia type). And the FA market has a ton of guys like that right now. Could the Yankees take a flier on a guy like Zambrano, Harden, Wang, Wells, or Wolf for low cost. Or maybe spend a little more for a guy like Marcum, McCarthy, or Sanchez? Take a chance on a bullpen guy like Brian Wilson who was released by the Giants coming off of surgery.

Youkilis deciding between Yankees 1 year $12MM offer, and Indians, not sure of the terms from Cleveland, but he would get to play under Terry Francona.

Also hear Yankees may be working on a trade with the Indians...no not Asdrubal Cabrera but they're young catcher Carlos Santana. He signed an extension buying out his arbitration years, so he's under control through 2017 ('17 is a team option). Indians need an OF...wonder if Yankees would do Granderson, Romine or Sanchez, and a pitching prospect, for Santana and lower level prospect.

Don't be giving away the farm to get Santana. Two years ago, he had a serious knee injury that ended his season. He did play in 143 games last year, hit in the 250 range with 18 homeruns so he would be an offensive upgrade over Martin. Not sure about his defensive abilities.

Too many holes for this team to fill and the ownership is refusing to spend money. Youklis at 12 million would be a good step. It would be interesting because he would have the ability to compete against Boston. The Francona thing may be the intangible the Yankees can't match.

The ownership is going to have to face facts: (a) they spend beyond what has been budgeted and sign key free agents or (b) they resign themselves to a third place finish at best in the East and not making the playoffs.

I watched the YES Network yesterday and they had the right phrase...culture shock. The industry and the fans need to be prepared for the lack of signings and spending by the team over the next couple of years. That being said if the Yankees can't compete with a payroll of $189MM there is something wrong with them. They should be able to get a guy like Hamilton, added with CC, A-Rod, Tex, Cano, and Jeter and still be able to compete and come in at the $189 mark. Yes it will mean they need to possibly fill an OF spot or the #5 spot and the bullpen with kids from the farm or bargain bin FAs. But it can be done. If the Marlins can reduce their payroll to $20MM, the Yankees can get down to $189.

You can't be serious about with the payroll they have they should be able to win. REALLY? Let's look at that payroll and the players aligned with it: Rivera $10 million and is coming off of ACL surgery and oh yeah he is 43; Jeter soon to be 39 is making 17 million and is still walking around in a surgical boot; A-Rod at 30 million and won't be able to play until June or July; Pettitte is getting 12 million and will be 41; Kuroda is the youngster at 37 and will be paid 13 million; CC will be making 22 million and is coming off of elbow surgery. Those six account for 104 million. In addition they are paying Granderson 15 million and have been shopping him for trade purposes because he was second in the league in strikeouts.

So that is 119 million for aging injuried or overhyped players. And you really expect to win.

Let's look at the holes that have to be filled: catching - if done in house, they have Cervelli who is a career backup that was so well thought of, he spent most of last year at triple A; Stewart is is also a career backup and Romine who played less than 40 games at Triple A and has back issues.

Third base - Nunez?? take out insurance policies on the people sitting behind first base.

Shortstop - Nunez?? see above.

Rightfield - no name has really surfaced yet. Odd they are not interested in Swisher, but they may want to reconsider (personnaly I don't like the guy BUT baseball wise, he makes sense)a switch-hitter with power who also could play a solid first base when Tex was out or needed a rest. So by letting him walk, they will have to fill two holes - rightfield and backup first base.

Rotation - barring any injury they should be able to get double digit wins from the top three -then there is Hughes and Nova. If there is an injury to any of the five projected starters who steps in? Phelps, Warren and ??????

Bullpen - Soriano is gone they never made an attempt at Soria (who is now with Texas) the other reliever that there was talk about signed with the Angels. So Mo at 43 will be the savior how you get to him is will be a question.

This is a team in transition with no possible way they can fill the holes from the minor league system.

Adams is a sound defensive player and had a good season in the AFL. However, most of his career has been at second base. Here is something to consider - Cano has an amazing gun for an arm and great reflexes. How about moving him to third and let Adams play second. After next season and Cano walks, Adams will be the second baseman.

Let's see Yankees lose Martin to Pittsbugh, Chavez to Arizona, Keppenger to the White Sox and Shuerholtz to the Cubs. Like a said earlier, maybe some players have no interest in playing in NY.

I didn't hear about Schierholtz to the Cubs. So if Youk stiffs the Yanks it may come down to Adams. A lot of scouts said Adams was ready offensively last year. I think if the Yankees moved Cano to 3B the union would be up in arms that the Yankees were trying to diminish his value. I still think Mark DeRosa would be a great fit if healthy.

Apparently there is a reason why the Yankees were not active at the Winter Meetings. A number of executives have now indicated that Brian Cashman was stripped of the responsibility of offering contracts to free agents. So he went to the winter meeting knowing he could not offer a contract to any free agent. What kind of nonsense is that and who then is making the decision to offer contract - Hal? That would be a joke.

I don't think it was much different than years past. I just think Cashman didn't feel like there was anybody worth spending it on. If Cashman felt like offering Keppinger a 3 years deal at $4M per, he would check with ownership and get the approval. He's done that every year.

Heyman reporting that Hamilton has made it known he is taking all offers back to Texas to see if the will match...if you're another club why would you even offer him anything at this point knowing he's just shopping your offer???

Yankees have touched based with Ichiro today but just waiting on Youk who has said he will take a couple days to decide. Side note...if Youk does sign with the Yanks, I want to hear the first conversation he and Joba have. They hated each other, Joba throwing at him several times...perhaps with reason...

Royals trade über prospect Wil Myers to Tampa for James Shields and Wade Davis. This is a super bold move by both clubs. I think this puts the royals as an instant contender in that division. And the Rays get highly touted young prospects to stock the farm. This kid Myers is going to be real good...Harper-like.

One has to wonder if the Rays will actually contend this year. They trade Davis and Shields lose Upton and let Pena walk (okay he wasn't hitting a lot). That is a lot to lose and think prospects are going to step in and they will win.

The Rays will always contend because of their pitching. Yes they lost a horse in Shields, this guy eats innings. It just means they feel their young arms are ready to take the next step.

That's a big difference between the Yankees and the Rays.It's also the reason the Yankees won't be able to get under the $189 threshold next year. Because the pitchers in the farm system took steps back last year they won't be ready to take the big step next year. They should have been in the Majors last year, get significant innings under their belt this year and be able to progress into the #2, 3, & 4 starter they need for next year.

The Yankees need Pineda to get healthy and be the #2 next year. Nova needs to step up and be a consistent #3, and then the farm needs to produce the #4 & 5 for next season. I don't see them spending $10MM-plus on Hughes when he hits the free agent market at the end of this season. Which kind of stinks because when he's on he is a top end guy. He could be a #2 if he can find consistency.

The constant issue about the Yankees farm system and people not being ready indicaes the individuals making the decisions on who to draft/sign are not doing due diligents when it comes to the decision making process. The Rays seem to always have individuals come through their system and contribute. Yankees seem to gamble a lot with high school kids. Hughes signed out of high school and never had the opportunity to pitch in college. A lot was placed on his minor league statistics - the actual number of minor leaguers that make it to the show is small (seems most are with the Rays). A lot of signings come from the college ranks and they spend one year at AA or AAA and can make the jump.

Think about the number of high school players the Yankees have drafted or players that didn't have college experience and you find the answer to the teams dilema. Hughes - High School; Heathcock - High School; Bichette - High School; Banuelos - no college; Bettances - no college. This is way they are taking steps back. They have not played against high caliber players and when they do they don't succeed unless they adjust. Jeter adjusted and came through the system.

The Yankees seem to gamble a lot with their draft choices and it comes back to haunt them.

I disagree with your assessment. The Rays have to let their young kids come through the system to contribute...the Yankees never let their players come through and contribute. Because the Yankees are the Yankees everyone's expectations are win now. There is no margin for error when it comes to developing the kids at the MLB level. Everyone expects the players to be All-Star caliber coming out of the farm and that is not feasible. And there is no statistical difference between college and HS players. Only that a good college player may be in the big leagues sooner. It still does not predict or is a good indicator of production at that level. You mention Hughes...he had a bad 2011, but '09, 10 and 12 were real good. 2010 and 2012 were good years for any other teams #2 starter and the Yankees get it from the #4/5. He's a former all-star and will be a very good starter some where if the Yankees don't sign him.

Banuelos will be 21 in the spring, Betances will be 25. Betances needs to be ini the big leagues now and Banuelos needs to get there by the end of the year. Yankees need to take the gloves off and get the kids experience at the MLB level. They're not getting it and that's why they're not developing the talent.

I just think that with Cano's arm and the range he has shown (when it moves him to do so) he could make the move without any problem. As for the union, screw them the move has to be made in the best interest of the team.

Several scouts also feel that Adams can do better at 3B than Nunez. Adams doesn't have the power or speed that Nunez has but his bat and fielding are better.

Ichiro deal will get done. Not sure how much of pay cut he's taking though. I would imagine he's looking at about $8MM for this season.

I have no idea what Youkilis is waiting for to take $12MM coming off his crappy season. If he doesn't want a chance to win then screw him. Go play for Seattle. I didn't like this guy when he played for Boston and I already don't like him with the Yankees.

Love how the Mets can pay Jason Bay $14MM to leave the club and they can let rumors float out there that they are interested in Cody Ross...but they are unwilling to come up $6MM in their contract extension offer to RA Dickey the guy that has been their best pitcher the last 2 seasons, won 20 and the CY Young for them last year. Dickey is looking for 2 years at $13 per. Mets first offer was 2 at $8 per, now 2 at $10 per. I'm amazed that they were able to figure out an extension with Wright without ticking him off. Just another example of how messed up the Mets are even with a new regime in their.

Just more support to show what a slap in the face offer that is by the Mets to Dickey...Zack Greinke 2010-2012: 604IP, 3.83 ERA, 106 ERA+, 41 WinsRA Dickey 2010-2012: 616.1 IP, 2.95 ERA, 129 ERA+, 39 Wins.

So Youkilis is now a Yankee (pending physical) 1 year $12MM. So far all deals stay within Yankees plan for next season. Everything is a 1 year deal.

The exception may be Ichiro...sources say he WILL BE a Yankee. However there is talk about 1 year with a vesting option or even a 2 year deal. Sounds like he is open to a 1 year deal but with higher $$. If the Yankees can do a vesting option in the $5-7MM range I think that is very good for the Yankees. Next year FA class in the OF isn't that great and will likely cost twice that per year. Possible FAs include Hunter Pence, Corey Hart, Francoeur, Choo, Ellsbury, Granderso, Prado...nothing too overwhelming, but likely costly.

Crash regarding Dickey. The statistical comparision between Dickey and Grienke are similar, but there is one big difference the Mets have to consider: Grienke is coming into his prime and should have many more productive years pitching with a great surrounding cast. Dickey is well past his prime became a knuckleballer to save his career and yes has been effective for two years. Eventually the success comes to an end (e.g. Niekro brothers and Wakefield).

Seems the market for ceterfielder Bourne has dried up. Have not heard much about teams pursuing Soriano either.

Interesting take on the Yankees recent signings...the Yankees have spent $49MM on 1 year deals this offseason, and haven't gotten better.

As for Dickey...he's only seeking a 2 year extension. The statistical evidence for knuckleballers at this point in their career indicates a slight reduction of innings pitched but not a decline in the other stats. Dickey is giving the Mets a BIG home town discount, and the Mets are handling...well like the Mets.

Hamilton to the Angels, 5 years $125MM. Arte Morano took the Greinke $$ and put it into Hamilton.

Angels line-up is sick...Trout, Collaspo, Pujols, Hamilton, Kendrick, Morales, Ianetta, & Aybar. Power, average, and speed. That is an incredible lineup. No rotation though after Weaver and no bullpen.

You can sign all of the free agents and add to a lineup that does not mean winning. Witness the Red Sox of 2011 and 2012. Ownership finally gave up on Crawford, A-gone and Beckett. The Angels and Dodgers seem to resemble the Red Sox from the past two seasons.

Apparently the Sanchez announcement was premature. Negotiations are continuing, Tigers offered 5 years $75, reported that the Cubs increased offer to $77.5, but now appear to be out of it. Looks like Sanchez is going back to the Tigers, barring last minute mystery team.

Giants suck. They most likely need to win their last 2 games too have a chance at the playoffs. Dallas and Washington play the last week of the season. You have to figure the loser is out, so the Giants win both and they're in.

Report has Yankees interested in Bourn. I can't see that happening even if they trade Granderson. Bourn will likely command a long term deal and I can't see the Yankees making that type of commitment given the 2 year deal to Ichiro and the $189 salary. If they did sign Bourn it would give the Yankees the best defensive OF in the game...yes even better than the Angels. I would rather see them spend $$ on pitching.I would try to work a trade for Cliff Lee. Phillies are reportedly already looking to trade him. He's signed for 3 more years at $25 per.

Crash, Bourn is younger and does not strikeout as much as Granderson. However, Bourn does not have the same power ratinig as Granderson. He will steal bases, something that Granderson seems to have forgotten how to do.

If the Philleis are willing to give up Lee and break up the big three than you know something is wrong.

By the way I am getting really tired of this website asking for my cell phone and email information when I go to publish something.

It pains me to see the Yankees signing more and more players from the scrap heap of other teams. They signed four earlier this off season - two of which have already been released; now they pick up a couple more including a catcher that hit less than his weight - what gives.

At this point I would prefer Cashman just coming out and saying we are "rebuilding" with the goal to get under $189, we want to give our farm a chance to develop at the MLB level...give a starting job to Adams and Romine, call up Mason Williams or Melky Mesa, have a rotation with Phelps, Nova, and Hughes, with Warren, Betances, and/or Banuelos on the way if/when Hughes and/or Nova are traded. I could live with the season outcome if I know that is the logic going into the season.

So the Yankees continue to make moves: they claim Spence (LH-P) off waivers from San Diego. DFA him when they sign Yuk. We clears waivers and is assigned to Triple A. Jim Miller was also claimed off waivers. In the major leagues since 2008 his career record is 1-2 in 47 games (yikes) now he has DFA with the signing of Ichiro. So at age 30 what is the possibility he will be headed to Triple A. I really don't get some of these moves they make. Three minor signings: Whiteside, Spence and Miller. None of these guys light up the career numbers and the Yankees waste time signing them and then in Whitesides case, goes to Toronto on waiver claim then gets waived again and gets picked up for a MINOR League contract by a third team. Spence gets DFA and at 24 and lefthanded gets no interest from anyone so he gets shipped to Triple A. Maybe the Yankees could have taken some of that time and signed Russell Martin versus letting him go to the Pirates.

Speaking of catching and the Yankees, here is an interesting scenario - the Mariners justed traded for Kendry Morales who will play some first base but mostly DH. The Mariners at one point had Montero DHing and occassionally catching - maybe the Yankees make a move for Montero which will give them the right-handed dh compliment to Ibanez and gives them a guy that can also catch a lot of games. (Oh and he did prove last year with a full year in the major leagues, he can hit and his catching did improve somewhat).

So now the rumors are flying the Yankees are contemplating trading their three top prospects: Williams, Sanchez, and Bichette to Arizona for Upton. I do not do the deal. Upton's only upside is he is only 25, however, all of his offensive production numbers fell off last year. The Yankees don't need him. To gain one player, the Yankees would be creating three position player holes; catching, infield, and outfield. All three of the prospects are continuing to show growth, all three are younger than Upton and all three would definately fit into the plans of a trimmer major league salary level for the team.

Think about the recent trades the Yankees have made by trading high end prospects: To get Granderson, the Yankees lost Jackson and Kennedy. Jackson has proved to be better defensively, more athletic and has panned out to be a good offensive player. In addition the Yankees lost Ian Kennedy in the deal and he would be a better option for the Yankees as the number five starter than Nova.

To get Penieda and Campos the team gives up Montero, who had a pretty decent full season in the majors last year. Oh Penieda is lost through June and may never resemble the pitcher he was and Campos won't be ready to pitch again until August at the earliest.

Don's give up the future to land someone that may actually be playing his way out of Arizona.